Whats on your mind? Open minded portraits

This is an activity to help children move beyond the literal aspect of the text. The children must have experienced the text at least four times as a story, reenactment, film version etc. They need to have had many occasions to discuss what they think is happening in the story before this activity.
 They choose a character from the story or you choose for them, you may want to examine a particular understanding from the text that is pertinent to  particular character. The child draws a character portrait of what they think the character looks like using detail from the text to direct them. you could allow them to research eg. What would a Samaritan wear in Jesus' time? What do chief priests wear? What does a woman wear outside in Jerusalem in Jesus' time? (this could actually inspire a whole new inquiry discussion) 
When the illustration is finished cut out the shape and make a page for behind the head in the same cut out shape. Have the child evenly space these three questions on their page.

1/ What am I thinking?

2/ What do I want to change in the story? or 2/ What could improve this story for my character?

or 2/ I think the other characters did that because...... or 2/What could I have done in this story to make it turn out better for the other characters?

3/ As the artist in charge of the character's thoughts what can I do in my world using the lessons/inspiration of the story to make things better/more peaceful/happier/more prayerful ( how can I use my understanding of this story to change my world?)...

The depth of their answers in all criteria will give you an idea of how much they have taken from the story and their level of understanding. This is the victim from the Good Samaritan

I'm thinking: I'm thinking that I am poor and helpless. I'm feeling hurt because the robbers bashed me.
I wish I could change: I wish I could change the people who walked past me.
In everyday life: You should be thankful for what you've got.